Award Winners 2024

The Swords Pavilions Zero Team has worked hard on reducing its carbon footprint. They are aiming to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030. As a shopping centre, the team is very focused on making a difference within their local community. They also want to be a leader in their industry and ultimately contribute to making our planet a better place to live.. 

The Shopping Centre has completely removed gas from all landlord operations in 2023,resulting in a reduction of 250 tonnes of CO2. The team also implemented natural ventilation, solar PV, LED lighting upgrades, and gas boiler replacements. All this work has achieved a 70% reduction in landlord emissions since 2019. 

These projects have led to a 62% reduction in energy consumption and they have already surpassed their interim targets for 2025. Swords Pavilions is on track to meet its 2030 goals. While the cost savings are fantastic, it has also enhanced community engagement and they identify educational opportunities, enhancing tenant and customer sustainability understanding.

John is a chartered engineer and currently heads the Climate Action, Planning and Capital Appraisal Unit in the Department of Education. John has been involved in energy performance and decarbonisation in school and education buildings for several decades and is a highly regarded expert in the field of high-performance new buildings and retrofits.  

John has led the Department of Education’s approach to building high-performing, low emission, school buildings, which often significantly exceeded the energy performance requirements of the building regulations. John led the DART (Design, Awareness, Research & Technology) programme, testing approaches to low carbon technologies, Passivhaus construction, and innovative strategies to low energy and emission buildings schools. This led to the adoption of standardised approaches and technical guidance documents in his sector.  

In the past decade John has been integral to the scaling of climate action in the education sector via a large scale national retrofit Pathfinders programme supported by SEAI. The programme has supported 80 school retrofits to date, and the current deployment of the national schools solar PV scheme.  John has led this work with enormous care and attention to the needs of students, particularly those most vulnerable, in schools across the country. He has addressed climate action, but also improved the lives of numerous people who work in and use our public services. John doesn’t just talk climate action, he delivers it. His leadership and expertise are exemplary of the public sector’s drive to achieve national emission reduction targets, and he is a worthy recipient of the 2024 SEAI Chairs Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy. 

Triple SEC is a collaboration between 3 neighbouring SECs in Dublin City which were all set up during 2020-21. Local volunteers make up the 3 SECs who meet regularly to plan their in-person and virtual events. They also work together to identify funding and support opportunities.  

The 3 communities face similar challenges with similar house types. They have some of the lowest average Building Energy Ratings (BER) in the country. Their SECs have many areas of focus. From Biodiversity to Active Transport. When it comes to energy, their vision is clear, they want everyone to have comfortable homes that are affordable to heat. 

In 2024 alone, they have organised multiple events; A Solar PV webinar, an in-person grant support day and a retrofit tour of the local area. They also organised a "Vision for Cabra" event, gaining insights into the challenges for their residents on energy efficiency. The group provides locals with real stories of retrofitting, collaborating with experts and local institutions.  

The Tallaght District Heating Scheme (TDHS) is the first large-scale district heating network of its kind in Ireland. It operates under Heat Works, Ireland’s first not-for-profit energy utility, fully owned by South Dublin County Council.  

The scheme helps to significantly reduce emissions in the area by almost 1,500 tonnes of CO2/year, establishing Tallaght as a leader in local energy action. The scheme delivers a high level of renewable innovation as during normal operation, waste heat from the nearby AWS data centre works to supplie100% of the heat back into the network.  

The TDHS is unique in that it is the only scheme in Ireland or the UK to use waste heat from a local data centre. It also provides an original low-carbon solution, optimising recyclable heat with innovative heat-pump technology. While the current heat source is data centre waste heat, further renewable heat sources can be added as the system develops. 

University College Dublin leads the Bike Library project. Its goal is to understand and promote sustainable mobility through community engagement. The project looks at the potential for e-bikes to shift transport in urban settings.  

It provides families with the opportunity to trial various e-bikes for three months, allowing them to explore barriers such as safety concerns and high costs. Researchers gather valuable data on user behaviour and preferences. They are also gathering data on e-mobility reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion. 

Participants travelled over 100,000 kilometres. This robust dataset analyses the environmental benefits and societal impacts of e-bike usage. The project has also contributed to narrowing the "gender-cycling gap", with the majority of participants being women, contrary to national trends.  

These findings have important implications for policy and infrastructure planning. The Bike Library project is an important study in advancing Ireland's clean energy transition. 

Mannok is an experienced manufacturer of construction products and consumer packaging. Mannok has made large strides in sustainable energy practices. As part of their "Mannok 2030 Vision", they aim to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 35% by 2030.  

Achievements include the Fuel Flex™ technology, displacing 40,000 tons of coal with alternative fuels and reducing emissions by 58,000 t/CO2eq each year and saving nearly €12 million.  

They plan to decrease emissions by another 49,000 t/CO2eq. Initiatives include a burner upgrade and process optimisations. Mannok's "Energy Valley Concept" has a 15-year plan to develop renewable energy assets. These plans include green hydrogen, solar PV, and wind.  

They have combined innovation, collaboration, and effective energy management to contribute to national and international goals, positioning them as a model for decarbonisation in hard-to-abate industries. 

Poppies Café was established in 1983 as a small tearoom and in 2024 has evolved into a leader in sustainable hospitality. Peter Norton and his wife Fiona have embraced a variety of energy-efficient technologies. 

Key investments include a solar array paired with a 15kW battery storage system. They have also installed an air-to-water heat pump which reuses kitchen heat for hot water. This has improved kitchen conditions and reduced energy costs. They've also installed sensor-operated lighting and taps, induction hobs, and energy-efficient ovens. All this work has decreased the café's energy consumption by 30%, waste by 40%, and water usage by 28%.  

Poppies Café also supports local biodiversity initiatives with Peter and Fiona promoting cycling to cut the carbon footprint of their clientele. Poppies Café showcases how small businesses can make substantial contributions to environmental sustainability. 

Bus Éireann is Ireland's national bus company. With over 107 million annual passenger journeys and a fleet of 1,150 vehicles. Its updated Sustainability Strategy targets a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030.The company is aiming for Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040 and Net Zero Scope 3 by 2050.  

 Bus Éireann has achieved substantial milestones, including electrifying Athlone town's bus service. It has also piloted hydrogen Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and is implementing solar PV installations. These initiatives align with national decarbonisation goals. Its ISO 50001 certification and a robust KPI framework supports this work, while senior leadership is deeply engaged. 

Bus Éireann shows leadership through initiatives like their Eco Drive program, aimed at achieving an 80% eco-driving score by 2030. It is already at 53%.   These efforts underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship. Bus Éireann is proactive in advancing Ireland's transition to a low carbon future. 

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council developed the Ballyogan Square project. This project stands out as a pioneering example of sustainable social housing. It is built on residual lands from the M50 motorway construction. This development features 67 new two and three-bedroom terrace houses.  They are all designed to Passive House standards.  

The design emphasises a "fabric first" approach. It optimises building envelope performance with high airtightness, continuous insulation, and solar gain. Triple-glazed windows and minimal thermal bridging complement this sustainable design. The homes achieve an A1 BER rating. They include solar PV panels, heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). This results in low energy bills and enhanced indoor air quality. 

The project integrates with the existing community and promotes pedestrian and cycle connectivity to amenities and public transport. Ballyogan Square is proof that high quality, energy efficient housing can happen quickly. It exemplifies how modern methods of construction can improve the local environment and is setting a benchmark for future sustainable developments in Ireland. 

The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) used digital technology to enhance energy efficiency, achieving a 32% reduction in natural gas usage, a 12% reduction in electricity consumption, and a 28% decrease in CO2 emissions within just 18 months.  

The Museum implemented an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) based Energy Monitoring System transforming its approach to energy management. It has identified over 100 energy-saving opportunities with minimal capital investment. 

This digital transformation offers a cost-effective solution for ongoing energy monitoring. It also fosters greater engagement and awareness among staff and management. The success of this initiative has increased participation in NMI's Green Team boosting their Climate Action Roadmap.  

NMI's efforts serve as a model for other public bodies by showcasing how digital innovation can drive substantial energy savings and can help mobilise stakeholders and support Ireland's sustainability goals.​ 

BWG Foods completed an extensive Transport Decarbonisation Project with a goal to deliver a superior sustainable distribution service. It wants to enhance operational effectiveness, and minimise distance travelled. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions, operational costs and fossil fuel dependence.  

BWG introduced Compressed Nation Gas (CNG) and biogas vehicles, providing a 90% CO2 reduction. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel alternatives were also used, providing a 70% CO2 reduction. It also introduced the very first electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Ireland.  

The primary success of this campaign was inventiveness. BWG implemented various alternative fuels and consolidated loads, creating customised route plans. The use of eco-efficient technologies led to significant mileage reductions which resulted in operational cost savings. The project involved collaboration with partners and vehicle manufacturers. They share data and promote sustainable practices industry-wide.  It has led to substantial emissions cuts. The project has seen a reduction of 100 vans on Irish roads and positioned BWG Foods as a leader in eco-friendly logistics. 

SOLA Energy Solutions is a leading force in Ireland's transition to renewable energy, empowering Irish homeowners to achieve energy independence.  

SOLA spearheaded a significant retrofit project at Able Manor, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary, improving energy efficiency for 10 detached homes built in 2002. The project's motivations encompass environmental responsibility, focussing on financial gain for homeowners and improved living standards.  

This initiative aimed to transform properties from a C3 to an A3 Building Energy Rating (BER). Employing a fabric-first approach, SOLA enhanced insulation, airtightness, and replaced old systems. It introduced cutting-edge technologies like air-to-water heat pumps and triple glazed windows. The retrofit cut annual CO2 emissions by 3.9 tonnes per house. Notably, it took under eight weeks to complete the project.  

This project shows how SOLA is creating greener, more sustainable Irish homes. It has significantly impacted the environment by retrofitting 10 houses of this age.